Every birth is emotional and powerful, but that's especially true when a "rainbow baby" is born. That's because these very special infants ("rainbow baby" is the term for babies born after a miscarriage or stillbirth) are proof that there is reason to hope, and that dreams do come true. So when birth photographer Laura Fifield had the opportunity to photograph one couple's rainbow birth, she had a feeling the photos would be unforgettable … and she was right. Fifield's subjects, a couple named Lila and Tim, were thrilled when Lila found out she was pregnant with their third child.
But just a week or so later, Lila started having severe pain: She was experiencing a tubal pregnancy. Despite her being under medical supervision, Lila's tube ruptured and she was rushed into emergency surgery.
"I was heartbroken and my husband was terrified at the thought that he had almost lost his wife and mother to his children," Lila wrote on Fifield's blog. "Through tear filled eyes I cried out to God asking 'why?' I was scared and confused. I got only one response: 'through this I will bring joy.'"
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Miraculously, one year later, Lila and Tim welcomed a daughter, Audrey Joy, into the world (appropriate name choice!). And when they did, Fifield was there to capture every moment.
The Final Countdown
Once you're hooked up to the monitor with an IV in your arm, you know the end is near (hopefully!). Pregnancy can be a long and difficult journey — and it was a scary one for Lila, after her loss. But it was so worth it:
"I gained an amazing appreciation of the delicacy of both pregnancy and my own life," Lila wrote on her blog.
Taking a Breath
Any break in the action during labor is a welcome opportunity to collect yourself and gather your strength. Lila looks like she's focusing all her energy on the task at hand.
The Waiting
Walking the hospital halls is a time-honored tradition for partners and family members waiting for news.
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Holding On
Sometimes a squeeze from your partner's hand is just the thing you need to get you through the rough spots (okay, sometimes an epidural helps too!).
Labor of Love
There's no question that bringing a baby into this world is a challenging process! For so many moms, this image of Lila gripping the bed rails will bring back painful — but beautiful — memories.
Getting into Position
Once you're holding on to your legs, you're in the final stretch! Lila looks calm, determined, and most of all … ready.
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The Big Reveal
This beautiful shot of Lila overwhelmed with the emotion of bringing her new daughter into the world will bring a tear to any mom's eye — especially knowing that this "rainbow baby" was born almost exactly one year after her mother's miscarriage:
"One year after experiencing our loss there I was holding the most precious gift of all, our fearfully and wonderfully made 11-day old rainbow baby, Audrey Joy," mom wrote.
Skin to Skin
Such an absolutely exquisite moment, and that adorable little face sneaking a first peek at her mom's face is just too much!
Family Portrait
Together at last: Mom, dad, and baby.
"This experience brought my husband and I closer to each other and to God," said Lila.
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Stamp of Approval
Is there anything sweeter than tiny baby handprints? (Oh yeah, tiny baby footprints!)
Screen Shot
This photo within a photo is so poignant. What an absolutely perfect little girl!
Babe in Arms
That darling little head covered in newborn fuzz is so cute we literally can't handle it.
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Daddy-Daughter Time
The look on Lila's face as she watches Tim holding his brand-new daughter is priceless.
Sweet Cheeks
There are just no words to describe this utterly precious new face! (And is that a smile we see?)
Bonded for Life
What Tim and Lila found at the end of the rainbow was so much better than a pot of gold: Beautiful Audrey Joy.
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